Everton sack manager Rafael Benitez

Former league players Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard are among the names on shortlist to replace Rafael Benitez. Rooney is happy at Derby but would find it hard to turn the Everton opportunity down.

"I'm convinced that we would have been better once the injured players were back and with the arrival of the new signings," Benitez shared after being sacked.

Everton have won just once in the Premier League since September and are 15th on the table with just six points above the relegation zone.

According to Sky Sports News, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard are two of the names under consideration to replace Benitez. Also on the list are former manager Roberto Martinez, Brighton boss Graham Potter, Rudi Garcia, and Duncan.

Rooney is understood to be happy and focused at Derby County but would find it difficult to turn Everton down considering his history and association with the club.

While Potter is understood to be very happy at Brighton and is not currently interested in talking to Everton.

Following his sacking, Benitez released a statement on Sunday night claiming things "would have been better" if players had not been injured and further new signings had been made and said all this through his personal website.

Story Credit, Sky Sports.